INDEPENDENCE, Ky. — Lance Lucas has an advantage over the seven other golfers competing in today's finale of the Northern Kentucky Men's Amateur.

        “I guess the edge I have over everybody else is that I've won the tournament before,” said Lucas, who won in 1999.

TEE TIMES

7:30 a.m.—Rob Clarke, Matt Bowlin, Andrew Stephens, Jeff Floyd   7:40 a.m.—Greg Poore, Ryan Crowell, Lance Lucas, Brian Gooch

        That could be a huge edge by the time Lucas finishes the last day of championship-flight competition this afternoon — complete with 36 holes of stroke play at The Willows at Kenton County Golf Course.

        Lucas might be the lone former champion in the field, but he's not the only former finalist. There's also 2000 runner-up Rob Clarke, three-time finalist Jeff Floyd and 2001 finalist Andrew Stephens, who will play golf at the University of Kentucky in the fall. Don't forget about the newcomers: Ryan Crowell, Greg Poore, Matt Bowlin and Brian Gooch.

        It all starts with two foursomes at 7:30 a.m. The second round starts at about 12:30p.m.

        “The first 18 (holes), you've got to be a little conservative in your play,” said Lucas, who advanced by beating Scott Hansel 1-up during Wednesday's match play. “You can't win the tournament in the first 18, but you can sure lose it.”

        During a 30-minute break between rounds, Lucas will check the morning scores and more importantly, make decisions that could either win him or cost him the championship.

        If you're up four strokes, do you play conservatively? Or do you keep pushing?

        If you're trailing by two, do you play aggressively? Or wait for other golfers to make mistakes?

        Lucas said he plans to start conservatively.

        “Making pars,” Lucas said. “If the birdies come, they'll come. But I'd be happy with 18 pars in the first round.”

        He will leave his gambling for the afternoon round, if necessary.

        Lucas never trailed in his match against Hansel. Lucas led by two holes through No.10, but bad shots allowed Hansel to recover and win Nos.11 and 12. They both double-bogeyed No.13, then traded pars on Nos.14, 15 and 16.

        Lucas didn't take control until No.17. Hansel's putt rolled down the green and Lucas intentionally shot short of the green for a safer shot. They tied No.18 to give Lucas the win.

        Lucas is one of four Triple Crown Country Club members (Clarke, Poore and Floyd) in the final eight.

        “Experience should help,” Floyd said. “Stamina is going to be a big thing. Even though they say it's not going to be as hot, 36 holes is still a lot of holes with a lot of pressure. You've got to really, really be patient.”

        Wednesday's Results
        Rob Clarke def Dave Gastright 4 and 3
        Matt Bowlin def Tom Browning 2-up
        Andrew Stephens def Justin Jolly 6 and 5
        Jeff Floyd def Curt Wueller 4 and 3
        Greg Poore def Mike Ward 2 and 1
        Ryan Crowell def Phil Harper 5 and 4
        Lance Lucas def Scott Hansel 1-up
        Brian Gooch def Doug Danner 1 up

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